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With Black History Month about to get under way in February, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have launched the 2024 Black History Month student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education educator awards.
With Black History Month about to get under way in February, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have launched the 2024 Black History Month student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education educator awards. The theme is “Celebrating Florida’s African American Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom.”
These contests will run through Wednesday, Feb.7. Student contest forms and educator nomination forms can be submitted online at floridablackhistory.com “Black History Month serves as a perfect chance for students to learn about the accomplishments that African Americans heroes have contributed to Florida in the name of freedom,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “I hope students and educators use this contest to delve into Florida’s rich history and to learn about how African Americans have shaped our great state.”
“Florida goes the extra mile to recognize the immense and historical contributions of African Americans in our great state”, said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “We are proud to offer this opportunity each year to recognize outstanding students and educators in Florida for their unique efforts and talents.” The Black History Month Student Art Contest is open to the state’s Kindergarten through third-grade students. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork. Four statewide winners will be selected for the month, and each winner will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
The Black History Month Student Essay Contest is open to students in grades 4-12. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Winners will be chosen in grades 4–5, 6-8 and 9-12. Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.
Students are encouraged to write about African American heroes from Florida who fought for freedom across our state. The subject of the essay should be a Floridian. Examples could include Secretary of the Lottery John Davis, musician Ray Charles, university founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, and Florida Rep. Kiyan Michael.
The Black History Month Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and a principal, teacher, parent/ guardian, or student may submit nominations. Winners will receive a $2,500 monetary prize from Volunteer Florida.
